Deadline approaching for write-in candidates

Bailey RichardsStaff Reporter

October 23, 2012

The deadline to file to be a write-in candidate in the November 6, 2012, General Election is October 26, 2012, and Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes is reminding interested individuals to turn in their paperwork and filing fee to the appropriate filing officer.

“I encourage candidates to file their paperwork ahead of the deadline to ensure there are no deficiencies in their filings,” said Grimes. “There is no opportunity to change documents after the filing deadline.”

Under Kentucky law, write-in candidates for any office must file a Declaration of Intent to be a Write-In Candidate and pay a statutorily prescribed filing fee. Write-in candidates for President and Vice President must also file a list of presidential electors pledged to the candidates. Write-in votes cast for individuals who have not satisfied the filing requirements will not be counted.

For offices that file with the Secretary of State, write-in candidates must file by 4:00 p.m. EDT on October 26th. Write-in candidates for offices that file with the county clerk must file by 4:00 p.m. local time on that date. If candidates choose to mail their filing papers, the documents must be received by the appropriate office by 4:00 p.m. local time on October 26th, and candidates should plan accordingly.

Offices that file with the Secretary of State that are regularly scheduled for election in 2012 are:

U.S. President and Vice President

U.S. Representative

State Senator (odd-numbered districts)

State Representative

Kentucky Supreme Court Justice – district 7

Commonwealth’s Attorney (for jurisdictions that include more than one county)

In addition, candidates for the unexpired terms for Court of Appeals Judge for the 4th appellate district, 1st division; District Judge for the 31st judicial district, 1st division; and District Judge for the 57th judicial district must file with the Secretary of State.